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British Triathlon confirms 2016 World Class squads

on 16-12-2015 21:27

British Triathlon Performance Director, Brendan Purcell, commented: “We have a major focus on Rio’s Copacabana Beach next summer for the Olympic and Paralympic triathlon events, but this is also year zero of our Tokyo 2020 cycle.

“We have distinct groups of athletes now; those working towards Rio, and those looking further into the future. It’s exciting to be able to add someone like 17 year-old Ben Dijkstra to the programme alongside our Olympic athletes, Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, Non Stanford and Vicky Holland.”

In addition to Dijsktra, Leeds-based Heather Sellars has been added to the squad. The paratriathlon squad remains the same, with Stefan Hoggan having been added mid-way through the season and being confirmed as part of the squad for 2016. Matt Sharp and Aaron Harris will transition off the programme, but intend to continue to competing at the highest level.

Purcell added: “We’ve got a successful group of athletes, who are being supported by a very strong group of coaches and specialist practitioners. We’re really grateful for the support from UK Sport and everyone who buys a lottery ticket each week.”

The elite triathlon season gets underway in March with the first rounds of the ITU World Triathlon Series in Dubai and ITU World Paratriathlon Event Series in Buffalo City, South Africa.

However, the major focus for British triathletes will be on later season events, including the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds on 11-12 June, the Olympic Games (18 & 20 August), Paralympic Games (10-11 September) and ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in Mexico 11-18 September.